Shaun Roberts

Shaun Roberts, a 36-year-old man from Bodmin, Cornwall, has been imprisoned for 18 months after engaging in a persistent stalking campaign against his ex-partner and breaching the conditions of his sex offenders register. The case, heard at Truro Crown Court on 10 October 2025, highlighted Roberts' inability to accept the end of a brief relationship earlier in the year, leading to a series of harassing actions that left his victim feeling constantly on edge and unsafe.

The court was informed that Roberts, who has a history of 22 convictions for 47 offences including previous breaches of his sex offenders register and stalking, began bombarding his ex-partner with dozens of unwanted messages across multiple social media platforms shortly after she ended their relationship. In one alarming instance, he sent 42 voice messages before 9am, many containing emotional blackmail and threats of self-harm, particularly distressing as the victim was grieving a recent bereavement. Roberts even extended his harassment to the victim's young son by sending a friend request on Facebook, further invading her privacy and safety.

• Between July and September 2025, Roberts was recalled to prison for failing to disclose his new address to Devon and Cornwall Police, as required under Section 80 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
• Upon release, he continued sending abusive and obscene messages to both his ex-partner and her new partner, threatening to 'ruin them both' and warning of violence.
• At the start of September 2025, he again neglected to inform police of his address change within the mandatory three-day period, leading to his arrest.

Roberts was charged with one count of stalking involving fear of violence and one count of breaching his sex offenders register requirements. He pleaded guilty to both charges at an earlier magistrates' court appearance. In her victim impact statement, the ex-partner described feeling perpetually 'on edge' and fearing that Roberts would appear at her home, underscoring the profound impact of his actions on her sense of security.

Defending Roberts, his barrister explained that the behaviour stemmed from his 'inability to cope with the breakdown of his relationship' and was not a daily occurrence but part of a longstanding pattern. However, His Honour Judge James Adkin remarked on Roberts' habitual non-compliance, stating, 'It's a habit of yours,' in reference to the repeated failures to notify police of address changes. The judge emphasised how Roberts persisted in harassing his ex and her new partner despite clear indications that the relationship was over.

The sentencing reflects the severity of Roberts' actions as a registered sex offender, with the court imposing an 18-month custodial sentence, of which he will serve 40 per cent before release on licence. Additionally, a five-year restraining order was granted to protect the victim. This case was reported by Cornwall Live, drawing on details from the Truro Crown Court proceedings and statements from Devon and Cornwall Police.